Using 137Cs measurements to quantify soil erosion and redistribution rates for areas under different land use in the Upper Kaleya River basin, southern Zambia
Collins, A.L.; Walling, D.E.; Sichingabula, H.M.; Leeks, G.J.L.
Geoderma 104(3/4): 299-323
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 0016-7061 DOI: 10.1016/s0016-7061(01)00087-8
Accession: 004000140
Although soil erosion is a serious environmental problem in many African countries, its assessment using traditional techniques is hampered by a range of problems. Reliable information on soil erosion rates is, nevertheless, an essential prerequisite for the design of targeted erosion and sediment control strategies. This contribution reports the use of 137Cs measurements to quantify medium-term (~40 years) soil erosion and redistribution rates in both cultivated and uncultivated areas within the Upper Kaleya River basin in southern Zambia. Soils are typically ferruginous tropical laterites including red clays.